January 20, 2004

Interesting

I'll be at a Markman hearing in beautiful Orlando, Florida the next few days, so there will be (even) lighter posting from me. Before I go, however, a couple non-insightful, relatively-boring thoughts:

1. Dean has to do well in New Hampshire now. He can survive a close second, but anything worse is the end of him.

2. The race is now probably between Kerry, Dean, and Edwards. Even a great showing by Clark or Lieberman in New Hampshire means little, because Edwards is now a viable candidate. As a result, he's almost certain to be a enough of a force in the South and Midwest, sucking up voters Clark and Lieberman desperately need.

3. Why was Dean upset? Three reasons: The capture of Saddam (and Dean's insta-gaffe response); Gephardt's relentless attacks (which seem to have also consumed Gephardt in their fury); and the unfair perception that Dean's supporters are mostly Bush-hating dervishes of a more naive stripe. Nothing scares away Democratic party veterans than the whiff of McGovern.

I still think Edwards' inexperience is going to hurt him in the end, Von. Of course, people will bring up William Jefferson Clinton and his inexperience, but I think this is a different situation in that Dubya is somehow keeping a lot of people happy especially the South.

*Sheraton, Westin, W, etc. hotels. B-t-b, best Starwood-brand hotel visited thus far: the Princeville on Kauai'i. Excellent value for price -- though it is pricey, and tough to justify. (Perhaps, however, it was the fact I was Kauai'i on my honeymoon that sold me on the place.)

Ummmm...you're soaking in it. Downtown Orlando, such as it is, is pretty small. I recommend Pebbles on Church Street for good food and proximity. It's the only place I've ever had the chance to try marlin, and it was fantastic. The wife and I used to go there so much, we got engaged there. There used to be an Irish Pub right next door, but it's gone by the wayside. Closest thing is the Bull&Bush. You've got broadband; use it, damn you. There's a couple of ok-ish bars, but that's the extent. Then again, I don't get out much.